20 of the best beaches in Portugal
The beauty of Portugal’s sandy spots is anything but a secret. Millions of holidaymakers arrive each year, eager to make some of the best beaches in Portugal their temporary home – countless Brits among them. The Algarve, Portugal’s southernmost region, sees much of this footfall thanks to its abundance of exceptional hotels and family-friendly holiday homes within easy reach of bustling resort towns and award-winning sands (Portugal has 398 Blue Flag beaches as of 2025). There are the buzzy big-hitters, such as Praia da Marinha, sandwiched between hidden coves that look out towards dramatic rock formations that rise out of the North Atlantic. Others, such as the beaches along Costa da Caparica, are perfect for families thanks to the numerous amenities, restaurants and bars that separate the white sand from the city. Then there are wild coves that reward only the most intrepid sun worshippers – aim for Praia de Odeceixe if in doubt. Whether you’re committed to a fly-and-flop escape along Portugal’s enchanting coastline or considering a seaside excursion between sunny exploration in cities such as Lisbon or Faro, these are the best beaches in Portugal for every occasion.
Mauricio Abreu / Alamy Stock PhotoPraia do Portinho da Arrábida
Setubal, near Lisbon
Leave the hustle and bustle of Lisbon behind over the imposing Ponte 25 de Abril and soak up the sun on a more southerly beach – even if just for the day. Portinho da Arrábida’s proximity to the capital makes it a popular summer hangout among tourists and locals alike but, thanks to the size of the sweeping swathe of sand, you’ll rarely struggle to find a spot for your beach towel. While this is the most connected beach, you’ll find a series of equally charming coves to the east toward Setúbal, such as Praia da Anixa and Praia de Galapinhos.
Get there: Fly to Lisbon and drive for 45 minutes
Stuart Black / Alamy Stock PhotoCosta da Caparica
South of Lisbon
Over the River Tagus, just a short drive from Lisbon, you’ll find the city of Costa da Caparica. The coastline is backed by high-rise apartment blocks and hotels in parts, with stretches of more wild sand towards the coast's top and bottom – plenty of charming boutiques and bed and breakfasts ideal for a city-and-beach escape. While it appears to be one stretch of sand, it’s technically divided into a handful of beaches. There’s Praia da Saúde for blissful sunbathing before late lunches at O Golfinho Restaurante Bar, Praia da Mata with its scattering of reed umbrellas, and Praia do Berto – a southerly corner that feels apart from the city altogether.
Get there: Fly to Lisbon, and drive 30 minutes to the coast.
Getty ImagesPraia de Odeceixe, Algarve
Northern Algarve
From above, Praia de Odeceixe appears to be a mighty body of sand in the shape of a ‘thumbs up’, stemming the ebb and flow of water from the North Atlantic Ocean into the Ribeira de Seixe, the river dividing Portugal’s Beja and Faro districts. It’s a great place to lay down a towel and relax over a picnic spread in the shoulder season, and the dramatic views across the endless ocean, winding river and surrounding lush hills are so rewarding if you’re up for a bit of a hike. There’s a small town where the sand meets the countryside, home to a bar, a restaurant, a gift shop and a rustic guesthouse offering super affordable rates.
Get there: Fly to Faro, then a one-hour-45-minute drive
Getty ImagesPraia da Marinha, Algarve
West of Faro
You may be familiar with Praia da Marinha without even knowing it. As one of the best beaches along the Algarve, it’s often the cover girl across holiday brochures and tourism campaigns. However, many come here to admire the beauty of the ‘secret’ coves on either side. Facing the ocean, turn right for Praia da Mesquita, a small quiet cove backed by a dramatic cliff face. Alternatively, take a left and arrive at Praia do Buraco, hopping in and out of sea caves and snapping the Martian rock formations that rise out of the depths. It’s a popular tourist spot in summer, so arrive early to secure a spot beside the waves, especially on weekends when locals and holidaymakers take to the sand. There’s a snack bar for light bites and drinks during summer, but come armed with supplies.
Get there: Fly to Faro, then a 45-minute drive
Getty ImagesPraia da Falesia, Albufeira, Algarve
West of Faro
From certain points of the clifftops, it seems like the sand never ends along Praia da Falesia, a stone’s throw away from the popular resort town of Vilamoura. It’s most enchanting at sunset, as golden hour hues highlight the cliffs’ marmalade shades. Avoid getting sandy with a romantic stroll along the boardwalk as the sun calls it a day, before supper under the starry sky in one of the nearby villages or resorts. Check into Pine Cliffs Resort for easy access. The uber-luxe resort has myriad restaurants, a tranquil spa and wellness centre, and enough amenities to keep even the most rambunctious toddlers entertained for weeks.
Get there: Fly to Faro, then a 40-minute drive
Getty ImagesPraia da Adraga, Sintra
North of Lisbon
Praia da Adraga is favoured by confident swimmers or those just looking for a post-picnic paddle due to the powerful waves that can hit the shore. It’s a picturesque spot, whatever the weather, and takes on a particularly dramatic air in the winter months as dog walkers stroll between the rockface and the balletic white horses. It’s a 25-minute drive from Sintra, so popular with holidaymakers who’ve set up camp here for a long weekend – public transport will get you some distance with a walk on either side if you’re skipping the car rental. Check into Valverde Sintra Palácio de Seteais, a member of the Leading Hotels of the World, for an unforgettable stay on the outskirts of the UNESCO Heritage municipality.
Get there: fly to Lisbon Portela then a one-hour drive
Getty ImagesPraia de Moledo, Moledo
The far north
Close to the Spanish border, Moledo’s beach has been attracting visitors for more than a century with its long stretch of sand, pretty landscape panoramas of the Camarido Forest and views across the bay to the hills of Spain. Often windy and with strong waves, it’s ideal for kite surfers. Porto-born photographer Eduardo Leal, who knows the area well, says: ‘I love Moledo. The surf is good and it has lovely scenery. Other than in August, when it can be busy, it’s a relaxing and peaceful beach.’
Get there: fly to Francisco de Sá Carneiro then a 50-minute drive
Getty ImagesPraia de São Jacinto, Aveiro
South of Porto
Bordered by dunes and a nature reserve, Praia de São Jacinto’s long stretch of sand is a place of escape. The dunes are home to unique plant and bird life, there are no cafés or bars, the waves are good for surfing and the seemingly endless stretch of sand, ideal for long strolls, feels pleasingly wild and deserted: bring a book, switch off your phone and savour the sound of the waves. Taking the boat from Aveiro across the river is the fastest and simplest way to get there.
Get there: fly to Porto then a 90-minute drive
Getty ImagesPraia do Carvalhal, Comporta
South of Lisbon
Comporta, just over an hour’s drive south of Lisbon, has become popular with the chichi families of the capital, and Carvalhal, with its long stretch of white sand abutting the turquoise sea, is their beach of choice. There are plenty of practical additions, including umbrellas and sun loungers to rent, a tent for massages and a small library with books for all ages and daily Portuguese newspapers to read on the rustic terrace. Nearby is Restaurant Diniz, run by a former fisherman and famous for its excellent fish dishes and casual barefoot feel.
Get there: fly to Lisbon Portela then a one-hour-15-minute drive
AlamyPraia da Amália, Brejão
Alentejo
You need to park the car then walk 1km or so to Praia da Amália – across small streams, through a bamboo thicket, along a sandy path to the cliff edge and down rough-hewn stairs to the beach itself. This short walk often guarantees you’ll have this wonderful beach to yourself: along with a lovely stretch of sand, there’s a waterfall tumbling down the cliffs in one corner, rocks to explore and surf in which to play. There’s no lifeguard or café here, so bring a picnic and take care in the water.
Get there: fly to Faro then a one-hour-45-minute drive
Getty ImagesPraia da Cordoama, Sagres
Algarve
Rodrigo Machaz has been visiting the Algarve since he was a child and today runs Memmo Baleeira in Sagres, the hotel of choice for international surfers. ‘My favourite spot for surfing and a great beach day is Praia da Cordoama,’ he says. ‘Start at the Miradouro da Cordoama viewpoint which has amazing views of the coast. Once you’re on the beach, the long sandy stretch is perfect for a walk at low tide and the sand banks make for good surfing, depending on the swell and tide. Bring a bottle of wine: the sunset here is wonderful, too.’
Get there: fly to Faro then a one-hour-25-minute drive
Getty ImagesPraia do Barril, Tavira
Algarve
Portugal’s best beaches are undeniably beautiful but the Atlantic water that borders them can often be chilly. Tavira, at the easternmost point of the Algarve beside the Spanish border, is your best bet for warmer bathing and Praia do Barril is a family favourite, with its long stretches of white sand bordered by dunes and calm, clear water. The area’s fishing history is evident in the many anchors that decorate the sand and the former fishermen’s cottages, now converted to cafés.
Get there: Fly to Faro then a 40-minute drive
www.umlisboetanocampo.blogspot.co.ukPraia da Baleeira, Serra da Azoia
South of Lisbon
The sea that surrounds Portugal's Costa Azul ('Blue Coast') certainly lives up to its name – it's startlingly blue against the white rockface. Hidden along the south coast, amongst wild rosemary and clifftops, this secret cove is an undiscovered gem and ideal for those who like to skinny-dip. Protected by cliffs on both sides, it remains off-the-radar due to its small size and steep climb down. Here, the wild hills of the Setúbal Peninsula fall away to the searingly blue sea, and make this cape perfect for the adventurous beach hunter. The famous 18th-century Cabo Espichel Lighthouse and Nossa Senhora do Cabo church nearby, just 3km to the west, are also worth seeing – as are the 145-million-year-old dinosaur footprints that chase up the cliffside.
Get there: Fly to Lisbon then a one-hour drive
Getty ImagesPraia do Carvalho, Benagil
West Algarve
The Algarve coast can be over-run in the high season, but Praia do Carvalho is a beautiful sandy cove and, surprisingly, never too busy. Sandstone cliffs flank the golden beach and the sea resembles a sapphire shard wedged in between. Access is through a tunnel, with steps hewn from sandstone. Come at low tide to laze on the sand and explore the cliffside riddled with caverns and more tunnels. At high tide, the sea swirls, surges into the caves, and shoots spray out through blowholes in the cliff path. Nearby, Benagil is famous for its sea caves.
Get there: Fly to Faro, then a 50-minute drive
Praia da Franquia, Vila Nova de Milfontes
This secluded beach lies by the sandy banks of the Mira river as it meets the sea. A little further inland is the ancient fishing village of Vila Nova de Milfontes. The river meanders widely before the sea here and the beach is protected from the wilder waves further out. Try canoeing up the Mira River (contact Surfmilfontes) or head into the village to feast on some of the Alentejo region's finest fish dishes. The arroz de peixe, fish rice cooked in a clay pot, is particularly good at Restaurante Porto das Barcas.
Getting there: Fly to Beja then a 90-minute drive
AlamyPraia da Arrifana, Aljezur
Costa Vicentina
Along the Algarve end of the Costa Vicentina, this sandy beach is sheltered by giant orange sandstone cliffs sloping down to the sea. Popular with surfers, brave the waves with some body surfing. In the evening, the cliffsides catch the sunset over the Atlantic sea, and a decent local restaurant serves fresh fish. The coastal paths of Aljezur and the Rota Vicentina wind over the tops of the cliffs. Local donkey treks can be booked with Burros e Artes.
Getting there: Fly to Faro, then an 80-minute drive
Edwina PitcherPraia de Cavaleiro, Odemira
Costa Vicentina
Inhabited since prehistoric times, the Costa Vicentina has sparked the curiosity of adventurous people down the ages. As one of the most westerly parts of Europe, this was often the last shore that sailors would see as they set sail for foreign lands and the first to emerge on their return. Praia de Cavaleiro is one of many secret beaches here and has dramatic, strata rock formations. A goat track with wooden railing leads down to the sands, waves crash and seagulls, safe from Atlantic winds, chase the tide. Come here in spring to see storks building their nests. Fishermen's trails and smugglers' tracks weave their way over this coastline and the Rota Vicentina, which totals 400km of hiking routes along this coast, connects many of them. Nearby, a 2km stroll south, is Cabo Sardão, the most westerly promontory of the Alentejo region.
Getting there: Fly to Faro, then a one-hour-50-minute drive
- Lisbon/nHead over the high seas from the Peniche coast to this mysterious archipelago, just 10-15km offshore by ferry. Berlenga Grande is the largest of these islands. Pink rock and green grass slope to the water's edge while hundreds of seagulls wheel and caw overhead. An enigmatic 16th-century fortress built on the monastic remains of a rocky island can be reached by a zig-zagging bridge out over rocks or by a short swim. There are a couple of beautiful small beaches here, and caves with silvery fish can be reached by swimming, paddle-boarding or kayaking. Cova do Sonho is one of the best caves lit by aquamarine water.\n<strong>Get there:</strong> Fly to Lisbon, then an 80-minute drive","contentType":"photo","credit":"Virgílio Rodrigues/Stills","segmentedSources":{"sm":[{"height":213,"width":320,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be7b9a106ea5ed3099f62/master/w_320,c_limit/view-of-Praia-do-Carvalho-benagil-west-algarve-portugal-conde-nast-traveller-18april17-Virgilio-Rodrigues_Stills.jpg"},{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be7b9a106ea5ed3099f62/master/w_640,c_limit/view-of-Praia-do-Carvalho-benagil-west-algarve-portugal-conde-nast-traveller-18april17-Virgilio-Rodrigues_Stills.jpg"}],"md":[{"height":427,"width":640,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be7b9a106ea5ed3099f62/master/w_640,c_limit/view-of-Praia-do-Carvalho-benagil-west-algarve-portugal-conde-nast-traveller-18april17-Virgilio-Rodrigues_Stills.jpg"},{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be7b9a106ea5ed3099f62/master/w_1280,c_limit/view-of-Praia-do-Carvalho-benagil-west-algarve-portugal-conde-nast-traveller-18april17-Virgilio-Rodrigues_Stills.jpg"}],"lg":[{"height":683,"width":1024,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be7b9a106ea5ed3099f62/master/w_1024,c_limit/view-of-Praia-do-Carvalho-benagil-west-algarve-portugal-conde-nast-traveller-18april17-Virgilio-Rodrigues_Stills.jpg"},{"height":1365,"width":2048,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be7b9a106ea5ed3099f62/master/w_2048,c_limit/view-of-Praia-do-Carvalho-benagil-west-algarve-portugal-conde-nast-traveller-18april17-Virgilio-Rodrigues_Stills.jpg"}],"xl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be7b9a106ea5ed3099f62/master/w_1280,c_limit/view-of-Praia-do-Carvalho-benagil-west-algarve-portugal-conde-nast-traveller-18april17-Virgilio-Rodrigues_Stills.jpg"}],"xxl":[{"height":853,"width":1280,"url":"https://media.cntraveller.com/photos/611be7b9a106ea5ed3099f62/master/w_1280,c_limit/view-of-Praia-do-Carvalho-benagil-west-algarve-portugal-conde-nast-traveller-18april17-Virgilio-Rodrigues_Stills.jpg"}]}}}" data-testid="GallerySlideWrapper">
Virgílio Rodrigues/StillsBerlengas Archipelago, Peniche
North of Lisbon
Head over the high seas from the Peniche coast to this mysterious archipelago, just 10-15km offshore by ferry. Berlenga Grande is the largest of these islands. Pink rock and green grass slope to the water's edge while hundreds of seagulls wheel and caw overhead. An enigmatic 16th-century fortress built on the monastic remains of a rocky island can be reached by a zig-zagging bridge out over rocks or by a short swim. There are a couple of beautiful small beaches here, and caves with silvery fish can be reached by swimming, paddle-boarding or kayaking. Cova do Sonho is one of the best caves lit by aquamarine water.
Get there: Fly to Lisbon, then an 80-minute drive
Turismo do AlgarveIlha da Fuseta, Faro
East Algarve
The coastline of the eastern Algarve says goodbye to cliffs and caves, and hello to 60km of lagoons, sun-drenched dunes and sandy islands between the Ria Formosa and the open sea. Ilha da Fuseta is the most beautiful of these sandy islands, protected by a little inlet (known as a barra). At low tide, you can walk across the sand to the island. There are many shallow pools with warm water, perfect for children, and colourful fishing boats moored nearby. Just inland are the tidal marshes of the Ria Formosa Natural Park, so look out for hundreds of pink flamingos that gather near these salt marshes.
Getting there: Fly to Faro, then a 30-minute drive
Edwina PitcherRibeira das Tainhas, São Miguel
The Azores
Explosions of elemental force formed the Açores Islands (commonly known as the Azores). Today, their black sand beaches, pumice stone rocks, crater lagoons and lava-warmed pools are clear reminders of their wild, volcanic past. Ribeira das Tainhas is a black sand beach in a tiny cove between grassy cliffs. Within easy swimming distance is a pumice stone outcrop with rocky ledges – perfect for climbing up and jumping into the clear blue water. The jumping rock can be popular with locals, but for a wild beach, head 5km east to Praia da Amora, deserted, but for pau santo, the sacred and deeply scented bark that falls from its trees onto empty sands.
Getting there: Fly to João Paulo II then a 30-minute drive
